England 0 - 0 Algeria

Fri Jun 18 - You will have a difficult time recalling a game in which the English team played so poorly. In a match of this magnitude, the England players looked stiff, nervous, hesitant and unsure of what to do.

Millionaires like Rooney and Gerrard made simple passes to the wrong players. Gerrard passed when he should have taken a shot at goal. He skied the ball when a pass would have been a better decision. The English players looked second best on the ball to a team making only its third World Cup appearance and first for 24 years.

Aaron Lennon contributed nothing on the wing. Gerrard looked out of place on the left wing and Rooney appeared half asleep for most of the game.

Quite possibly Fabio Capello got the team selection wrong. Gerrard is a better player up the middle and likely would have made a better contribution playing behind Rooney. Joe Cole could have provided more spark on the left than what we saw of Gerrard.

The English team was sloppy, careless and downright disappointing to watch.

England must beat Slovenia and secure 5 points to advance. Capello must consider making a few major changes to his starting eleven for the decisive last match of the opening round.

Hats off to the Algrians for a spirited display.